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Shivansh's POV
I woke up to the soft warmth of her body pressed against mine, my arms instinctively caging her in. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue on her face, making her look even more delicate than she already was. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, as if lost in a dream, and a loose strand of hair rested on her cheek.
For a moment, I just lay there, watching her. Peaceful. Unaware. Completely untouched by the chaos that surrounded us the previous night.
But I wasn't.
I knew what had happened. What I had done.
Rohan was gone. And with him, the last shred of mercy I might have had left for anyone who dared to lay a hand on her.
My jaw clenched at the thought of it. If I had been just a second late… if she had trusted the wrong person… If she had gotten hurt—
I shut my eyes, forcing the thoughts away. She was here. Safe. Mine.
A small sigh left her lips, and she shifted slightly, burrowing closer into my chest. My grip instinctively tightened, not wanting to let go.
She had no idea. No idea that while she slept soundly in my arms, I had been out erasing every last trace of the danger that lurked around her. No idea that her safety came at the cost of blood staining my hands.
Her fingers twitched slightly against my shirt, as if she could sense me watching.
I couldn't help but smirk. "Are you awake, jaana?"
No response. Only the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
Leaning closer, I whispered against her ear, "You know, pretending to sleep won't help. I can hear your heartbeat."
Still, she didn't respond. But I knew her too well. The slight shift of her breathing. The way her fingers curled. She was awake. She just didn't want to open her eyes yet.
I took the opportunity to brush the stray strand of hair from her cheek, letting my fingers linger for a second longer than necessary. She shivered slightly at the touch, and my smirk grew.
"Fine," I muttered, moving my lips dangerously close to her ear. "If you don't wake up in the next five seconds, I'll just have to wake you up my way."
She stiffened.
And before I could count to three, she let out a small groan and finally opened her eyes.
"You're annoying," she muttered groggily, blinking up at me.
I raised a brow, amused. "Good morning to you too, sweetheart."
She stretched lazily, her arm brushing against my chest before she realized exactly how close we were. A hint of color crept up her cheeks as she tried to move away, but I didn't let her.
"Where do you think you're going?" I murmured, tightening my hold.
"Shivansh…" she sighed, giving me an exasperated look.
I pretended to think. "I don't recall letting you go yet."
She rolled her eyes but didn't fight me much.
"It's morning," she pointed out.
"Hmm." I buried my face in her hair for a brief second, inhaling her familiar scent. "I know."
For a moment, she stayed still, her hands resting lightly against my chest. The silence between us was comfortable, warm even.
Then, in a much softer voice, she asked, "Are you okay?"
I looked down at her, slightly caught off guard. "Why wouldn't I be?"
She hesitated. "I don't know… You just look… different."
My gaze softened, but I quickly masked it.
"I'm always okay," I told her. "Especially when you're in my arms."
She frowned slightly, not fully convinced, but didn't push further.
Instead, she sighed and whispered, "I should get up…"
I tightened my grip just a little more. "Stay. Just for a little longer."
And this time, she didn't argue.
She just stayed. In my arms. Right where she belonged.
As I lay there, holding her against me, my mind was at war with itself.
Should I tell her? Should I let her know what happened last night?
That Rohan was gone? That he would never again be a threat to her or to anyone?
My fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on her back as I thought about it.
No.
I exhaled, shutting my eyes for a moment.
She didn't need to know.
Telling her would only disturb her. She'd question me. She'd worry. And if there was one thing I couldn't stand, it was seeing worry in her eyes because of me.
I had already taken care of it. It was over. Nothing would touch her. Nothing would ever harm her.
So, I decided. I wouldn't tell her.
At least, not now.
A soft sigh left her lips as she stirred slightly. I felt her breathing change before she even opened her eyes.
And the moment she did… I knew something was different.
She wasn't looking at me the way she usually did. Her gaze wasn't filled with sleepy annoyance or warmth.
Instead, I saw hesitation.
And nervousness.
Something was bothering her.
She blinked a few times before slowly sitting up, pulling the blanket with her as if it could shield her from whatever was on her mind.
I studied her carefully. "What's wrong?"
She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she rubbed her hands over her face and let out a deep breath.
And it suddenly click, i knew.
It was the marriage.
She had to answer today. And I could see the weight of it pressing down on her.
I pushed myself up, resting my arm on the headboard. "Isha."
She flinched slightly but turned to look at me.
"Are you scared?" I asked.
Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say no, but she stopped herself.
Finally, she whispered, "I don't know."
That wasn't the answer I wanted.
Before I could respond, she threw the blanket off and got out of bed. "I… I should get ready. Everyone must be awake by now."
I watched as she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me sitting there, my fingers clenched into the sheets.
I hated this uncertainty.
I hated waiting.
I hated knowing that my entire future depended on the answer she would give today.
Because the truth was—I had already decided.
It didn't matter what she said.
She was mine.
And she would always be mine.
But i will wait for her even If she want to take the whole time in the world.
I came downstairs, following the faint sounds of movement in the kitchen.
It didn't take me long to realize what was happening.
Isha.
She was standing there, her back turned to me, talking to my mother, aunt, and her mother. Her hands were slightly curled at her sides, as if she was determined about something.
"I want to cook today," she said.
There was a short silence before my mother chuckled. "You? Cook?"
Isha pressed her lips together, clearly embarrassed but stubborn. "I can cook."
"Beta, we know you can," my aunt said, amusement lacing her tone. "But why all of a sudden?"
She hesitated for a moment before answering. "I just… I want to do something for everyone."
My mother exchanged glances with my aunt and then turned back to her. "Alright. But we'll be here in case you need help."
Isha exhaled in relief, nodding quickly before rolling up the sleeves of the oversized shirt she had borrowed from my wardrobe.
I leaned against the doorframe, watching as she started pulling out ingredients.
Poha. Bread for sandwiches. Fresh juice. Some snacks.
Light food.
Of course.
She wasn't confident in cooking, so she stuck to the basics.
It was strangely endearing.
I walked toward her, and the moment she saw me, she paused, blinking up at me. "What are you doing here?"
I smirked. "Watching you struggle."
She glared. "I'm not struggling."
I leaned down, my lips near her ear. "Yet."
She shivered slightly but turned away, focusing on chopping vegetables.
I didn't move away.
Instead, I reached around her, my chest barely grazing her back, and grabbed the knife from her hand. "You're doing it wrong."
She sucked in a breath. "I know how to cut a vegetable, Shivansh."
I tilted my head, looking down at her. "Clearly not. Let me help."
"I don't need your help."
I chuckled, my fingers brushing hers as I adjusted her grip on the knife. "You say that, but I don't trust you with sharp objects."
She turned her head slightly, and for a moment, we were too close.
I saw her breath hitch.
I saw the way her lips parted slightly.
And I saw when the nervousness—the hesitation that had been clouding her all morning—finally melted away.
Because at that moment, she knew.
She knew exactly what she had to do.
And so did I.
She turned away first, clearing her throat. "Go sit down. I'll serve breakfast in a bit."
I smirked. "Bossy."
She shot me a pointed look, and I chuckled before finally stepping back.
For the first time since waking up, she looked… lighter.
More sure of herself.
And I was sure of something too.
By the end of today, she would be mine.
The entire family had gathered in the dining area, the air filled with the scent of freshly made breakfast. Isha had cooked today—probably as a way to calm herself down.
But she wasn't calm.
She smiled. She talked. She served food.
But I could see it in her eyes.
She was still nervous.
And I hated it.
After everyone had eaten, my grandmother finally spoke. "So, Isha," she said, her voice kind yet firm. "Have you thought about it?"
The room fell silent.
Every single gaze turned toward her.
And Isha?
She looked at me.
For the briefest second, she let her eyes meet mine.
Then, she took a deep breath and stood up.
Isha swallowed.
I could see the hesitation flickering in her eyes.
She glanced at her parents. At my mother and father. At Prisha, Ishika, and dhruv.
And then… she looked at me.
For just a second.
"Let's talk in the living area," she said. "I'll give my answer there."
I stood with my arms crossed, my heartbeat a little too fast for my own liking.
Everyone was seated, waiting.
And then there was her.
Standing in front of all of us, her fingers intertwined tightly as if she was holding herself together.
My parents looked at her expectantly. My grandmother had a small, knowing smile. Even Ranveer, Dhruv, Aviyansh apnd the others were watching with curiosity.
She swallowed.
And then, in a clear, steady voice, she finally said the words I had been waiting for.
Her mother gave her an encouraging nod. Prisha gave her a thumbs-up.
"I'm ready."
For a moment, I didn't move.
Her mother exhaled, looking relieved. Her father—who had been quiet for most of this—gave her a proud, approving look.
Prisha let out a dramatic gasp, smacking Ishika's arm. "She said yes!"
Ishika grinned. "Took her long enough."
Ranveer and Dhruv simply leaned back, smirking knowingly.
And me?
I was still frozen.
I didn't react.
Because I wasn't sure if I had imagined it.
But then, the meaning of her words crashed into me like a tidal wave.
She said yes.
She said yes.
I felt a sharp breath leave my lungs, as if I had been holding it in for too long.
A slow, unstoppable smile stretched across my lips, and before I could even think, I was moving toward her.
She barely had time to react before I pulled her into my arms, holding her so tightly that she gasped slightly.
"Shivansh—"
"You have no idea," I whispered against her hair, my voice low and rough, "how much I wanted to hear those words from you."
Her hands hesitantly lifted to my back, holding onto me. "You're happy?"
I let out a small, breathy chuckle. "Happy?"
I pulled back just enough to cup her face, my eyes locking onto hers.
"Isha, I'm the happiest man in the damn world right now."
I pulled back slightly, cupping her face, my thumb brushing over her cheek.
"Happy?" I let out a breathy chuckle. "Isha, I'm the happiest man in the damn world right now."
A small, shy smile played on her lips.
And that was it.
That was all it took for me to know—without a doubt—that this was exactly how things were meant to be.
She was mine.
And she always would be.
After her decision, the atmosphere in the palace was light, filled with soft chatter and occasional laughter. Everyone was together—both my family and Isha's—enjoying a rare moment where no one was rushing off to meetings, businesses, or obligations.
I sat on the large sofa, my arm resting lazily on the backrest, my gaze naturally finding Isha. She was sitting between Prisha and Ishika, engaged in a conversation with my grandmother, who looked at her with a warm, approving gaze.
I knew my family could be intimidating. The weight of the royal name, the responsibilities, the expectations—it wasn't easy for an outsider to step into this world.
But Isha…
She was handling it effortlessly.
She laughed at something my aunt said, her eyes lighting up in amusement. The sight made my chest tighten.
"She's settling in well," Dhruv muttered beside me, nudging my shoulder.
I smirked. "Did you expect anything less?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Not really. She fits."
She does.
More than I ever imagined.
The hours passed in laughter and casual conversations.
Aarav and Dhruv teamed up against Ranveer and Aviyansh in a heated game of chess, which quickly turned into a full-blown argument about strategy.
My uncle and Isha's father were discussing business, occasionally including my father in their conversation.
My mother and Aunties were talking with Isha's mother, sharing stories about traditions, family customs, and marriage arrangements.
Meanwhile, Isha was in the middle of it all.
She moved easily between conversations, sometimes laughing at Prisha's and Ishika's dramatics, other times responding to my grandmother's affectionate words.
I watched as she laughed freely, comfortable and at ease.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt something settle in my chest.
This wasn't just a gathering.
This was home.
And she was becoming a part of it.
The air in the room was warm, filled with conversations and laughter. Everything felt light, easy—until Aviyansh suddenly stiffened beside me.
He was casually scrolling through his phone when his posture straightened, his relaxed expression shifting into something more serious.
"What the—" he muttered under his breath.
I glanced at him. "What is it?"
His brows furrowed as he turned his screen toward me. "Rohan."
The name alone made my grip on the armrest tighten slightly.
"What about him?" I asked, my tone was carefully neutral.
Aviyansh exhaled sharply. "He's dead."
That caught everyone's attention.
The room, once filled with the hum of conversations, grew quieter as people turned toward us.
"Wait, what?" Ishika leaned forward, looking at Aviyansh.
"Rohan?" Isha's voice came next, soft but tinged with something unreadable. "As in Rohan kapoor?"
Aviyansh nodded. "Yeah. The news says he died in an accident… but there are speculations that it wasn't just an accident."
Isha's gaze instinctively flickered toward me.
And I knew why.
She had seen him yesterday. We all had.
Her eyes searched my face, but I kept my expression unreadable, my fingers casually tapping against the side of the couch.
"That's…" Isha hesitated, swallowing. "That's shocking. We just met him yesterday."
Aviyansh's gaze turned thoughtful. "Exactly. He was in Jaipur, but he died on his way back to Delhi." He glanced at me then, his voice lowering just slightly. "What do you think, bhai sa ?"
I held his gaze for a second before shrugging, reaching for the glass of water on the table. "Accidents happen."
The weight of my words hung in the air.
Isha was still looking at me, her expression unreadable. "Shivansh… you don't think—"
I met her gaze, tilting my head slightly. "What?"
She hesitated. "I mean… you wouldn't…"
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Wouldn't what?"
Isha pressed her lips together, shaking her head slightly. "Nothing."
But the tension was still there.
Aviyansh was staring at his screen again. "They're saying foul play might be involved. If that's true, then someone wanted him dead."
I leaned back, my fingers tapping against my knee. "Interesting."
Isha narrowed her eyes slightly at my response, but before she could say anything, Ishika cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence.
"Okay, not to be insensitive, but this just got way too dark for family time."
Maa sa sighed, shaking her head. "Yes, we should not dwell on such tragic matters. It's unfortunate, but let the authorities handle it."
The conversation slowly shifted again, but I could feel Isha's eyes still lingering on me.
She knew.
Maybe not the full truth.
But she knew enough to wonder.
And I?
I just smiled.

Author's POV
The air inside the palace was thick with emotions, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and the bittersweet feeling of parting. Everyone had gathered in the grand living area when Shivansh's grandmother finally turned to her husband, her voice carrying authority yet warmth.
"I just called Raj purohit jii. " she announced, her eyes settling on the family. "He will be coming soon to fix a wedding date for these two. It should be auspicious, something that aligns with both our families' traditions."
There was a murmur of agreement. Shivansh's grandfather nodded approvingly, while his parents exchanged glances, clearly pleased with the decision.
Moments later, Raj purohit jii arrived, his presence bringing a sense of finality to the discussion. With a practiced precision, he studied the horoscopes, consulted his charts, and after what felt like an eternity, he finally looked up.
"Five months and twenty days from now," he declared. "That is the most auspicious date for their wedding. It will bring them prosperity, happiness, and a strong bond."
A wave of relief washed over both families. The date felt right—not too soon, not too far. There was enough time to prepare, to celebrate, and to let everything fall into place.
Isha stole a glance at Shivansh. His expression remained composed, but she caught the glint of satisfaction in his eyes. She knew he was happy with the date.
The lively chatter around the counter filled the air with warmth, but Isha's attention drifted toward Dhruv. Usually, he would be the loudest among them, teasing and laughing, but today, he sat quietly, his fingers tapping restlessly on his phone. His expression was tense, completely absorbed in whatever he was reading. This wasn't like him.
Curious, Isha stood up and walked over, sliding into the seat beside him. Still, he didn't notice her. He remained focused on his phone, oblivious to everything around him.
She tilted her head, staring at him pointedly. "Dhruv bhai" she called softly.
He startled slightly, finally looking up from his screen. His eyes met hers before darting away. Isha frowned.
"What happened? Why are you sitting alone? No teasing, no talking… that's so unlike you."
For a moment, he hesitated. Then, letting out a small sigh, he said, "Come with me."
She followed him outside, where the wind was cool and the atmosphere calm. The garden was quiet, a perfect contrast to the noise inside. Dhruv finally turned to her, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"I've started my own company."
Isha's eyes widened, excitement bubbling up in her chest. She was about to shout in happiness when Dhruv quickly raised a hand. "No, don't shout. Don't tell anyone."
She frowned, confused. "Why? Why don't you want anyone to know?"
Dhruv exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Because… this is something I've wanted for a long time. But I didn't have the money before." He looked down at the ground, lost in thought. "Everyone told me to join as a CEO, CFO, or some high position, but I wanted to build something on my own. So, I started from the very bottom—as a PA."
Isha's eyes widened in shock. "You worked as a PA?"
He nodded. "Shivansh didn't want me working under someone else, but I insisted. I wanted to learn. I wanted to earn my own money, not rely on my family's name."
His voice carried a weight of emotions, and Isha could see how much this journey meant to him. "And now?" she asked softly.
"Now… I've saved enough. I've studied everything—company structures, scheduling, hiring. I have my own land for my company. But I don't want to tell anyone yet because…" He trailed off, hesitating before meeting her eyes again. "Because if something goes wrong, if I fail, I don't want them to be disappointed. I don't want them to have high hopes for me to let them down."
Isha stared at him for a long moment, processing his words. "Then why are you telling me?"
A sad smile formed on Dhruv's lips. "Because… after losing everything, I lost my family too. My happiness, my sense of belonging. And yet, when I look at you, you remind me of my little sister."
Isha blinked in surprise. "Your sister?"
He nodded, his gaze distant. "If she were alive, she'd be just like you—kind, bossy, clumsy, funny… tiny."
Isha pouted. "Hey! I'm not that tiny!"
Dhruv chuckled but shook his head. "I'm not comparing you to her. You're different. She was different. But I was born as her protector, and she accepted me as I was. She let me stay by her side."
There was a long silence before he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "I lost her, and for a long time, I felt like I had no one. But then you came along, and I found myself feeling the same need to protect you."
Isha's eyes stung, and she swallowed hard. "So… what are you saying?"
"I'm saying… if you ever feel alone, if you ever feel like you have no one, you can come to me. I'll be your brother, if that's okay with you."
Isha inhaled sharply, her heart swelling with emotion. She had always longed for an older brother, someone to watch over her, someone she could rely on.
A small, shy smile tugged at her lips. "Okay, then from now on, I'll call you 'bhaiyuu'."
A genuine, relieved smile broke across Dhruv's face. "I'd like that."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. He returned the embrace, holding onto her as if she truly was his little sister. In that moment, they weren't just friends—they were family.
Then isha whisper in low voice only to hear by dhruv "Oh god! Inko bhi abhi aana tha. " And dhruv chuckled, listening her.
( Oh god! He also should have come right now.)
But then, a deliberate throat clearing made them pull apart. They turned to see Shivansh standing nearby, his expression unreadable… but his eyes? They held a storm of jealousy.
The moment Shivansh walked into the garden, his eyes narrowed. His footsteps slowed, his entire frame stiffening at the sight in front of him—Isha, wrapped in Dhruv's arms.
A sharp wave of something hot and possessive surged through him. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his jaw locking. He knew Dhruv had no ill intentions, that their bond was purely that of a brother and sister. But that didn't change the fact that Shivansh absolutely loathed seeing someone else touching Isha, holding her like she belonged to them.
Isha. His Isha.
He cleared his throat loudly, making his presence known. Both Isha and Dhruv turned to look at him. Isha, with her wide, innocent eyes, and Dhruv, with a knowing smirk. Dhruv had the audacity to smirk.
Shivansh exhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to stay composed. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said, his voice deceptively calm.
Isha tilted her head at him, her lips twitching as if she were holding back a laugh. Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing to him. She enjoyed this—his jealousy, his possessiveness.
Dhruv chuckled, stepping back. "Relax, Shiv. You look like you're about to murder me."
Shivansh didn't reply. Instead, he turned his sharp gaze to Isha. "Come with me." His voice left no room for argument.
Isha raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And if I don't?"
A muscle ticked in his jaw. "You will."
Without waiting for her response, he took her wrist gently but firmly and pulled her along with him, away from Dhruv, away from everyone else. He led her behind one of the large pillars near the garden, a secluded corner where no one could see them.
She looked up at him, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Are you jealous?" she teased, her lips curving into a smirk.
Shivansh didn't answer. He simply cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers in a searing, possessive kiss.
Isha gasped against his lips, her hands pressing against his chest, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she melted into him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath uneven. "Don't test me, Isha," he warned, his voice low, husky. "I don't like seeing anyone else touch you."
She grinned, running a finger along his jaw. "I know," she whispered. "That's why it's fun."
His eyes darkened. "You think this is fun?"
Before she could respond, he kissed her again, this time slower, deeper—making sure she understood exactly what she did to him.
And before she could say another word, before she could even prepare herself, his lips crashed onto hers.
Shivansh wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her so close that not even air remained between them.
Isha gasped against his lips, but that only made him deepen the kiss.
His lips moved hungrily over hers, claiming them, demanding more.
She fisted his shirt tightly, her fingers gripping him as if he was the only thing keeping her from melting. And maybe he was, because the way he kissed her, the way his lips sucked and teased hers.
Suddenly, he lifted her off the ground effortlessly, his arms tightening around her waist as he held her in the air, making her gasp again. Her suit twirled around them, and she clutched his face in her palms, pressing herself closer, kissing him back just as desperately.
A deep groan rumbled in his chest as she sucked his lower lip, and the sound sent a shiver straight down her spine.
He walked forward without breaking the kiss, still holding her tightly as if he never wanted to let go. Isha felt her back hit the pillar, and before she could react, he carefully lowered her onto it, his hands never leaving her body.
He pulled back for a second, his forehead resting against hers, their breaths ragged, hot, heavy.
But he couldn't stop.
He captured her lips again, harder this time.
His fingers slid to her nape, tilting her head slightly, deepening the kiss even more. Isha moaned softly, completely giving in, her lips parting slightly.
And that was all he needed.
He slipped his tongue inside, tasting her, exploring her mouth, dominating the kiss entirely. Ishaa gasped against his lips, her fingers sliding into his hair, pulling him closer, as if she needed more, as if this wasn't enough, because nothing would ever be enough when it came to him.
Their tongues tangled, fighting for control, but he refused to lose.
He sucked on her tongue, drawing out a soft whimper from her, and he smirked against her lips, clearly loving the way she was completely surrendering to him.
Isha's fingers gripped his shoulders tightly, her nails digging into his shirt as he tilted his head, kissing her from a different angle, making her dizzy with desire.
His lips left hers, trailing down to her jawline, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses there.
And then-he bit her jaw lightly, sucking on the spot immediately after.
Isha gasped sharply, her entire body trembling in his hold, and he smirked against her skin, knowing exactly what he was doing to her.
She clutched him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder, her breath uneven, her skin burning under his touch.
Then, his lips hovered just above her neck.
She felt his breath there, hot, teasing, waiting.
Isha froze in anticipation, her fingers tightening around his collar, but then, he stopped.
Instead, he cupped her face gently, his thumb stroking her cheek, and pressed one last, lingering kiss on her lips.
This time, it wasn't rushed.
It was deep, slow, filled with emotions stronger than words could ever express.
Then, after a long moment, he pulled back and kissed her forehead softly, letting his lips linger.
Isha opened her eyes, breathless, completely lost in the intensity of what just happened.
And then-she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger there for a moment.
"I love you, Ansh" she whispered, her voice soft but full of emotions.
Shivansh smiled against her skin, his arms still wrapped around her.
"I love you more, Jaana."
Isha smiled as she wiped the smudged lipstick from Shivansh's lips, her fingers grazing his jawline gently. His intense gaze remained fixed on her, making her blush.
By the time he pulled away, Isha was breathless. "Okay, okay," she murmured, touching her lips. "Point taken."
Shivansh smirked, brushing his thumb over her lower lip. "Good."
Then, as if nothing had happened, he took her hand and led her back toward the others, his grip firm, his message clear.
She belonged to him.
And he wasn't about to let her forget it.
As the preparations for departure began, the realization hit harder—she was leaving. Delhi was calling her back, and she had responsibilities waiting for her.
But shivansh he wasn't ready to let her go.
"Do you really have to leave?" he asked, his voice holding a rare vulnerability.
Isha smiled softly, ruffling his hair. "I have to, Ansh. But I'll be back before you know it."
Shivansh frowned. "That's what everyone says. But when you leave, it always feels like forever."
Before Isha could respond, Dhruv smirked, stepping in. "You know, shiv, if you really don't want her to leave, you could always come up with a dramatic reason to keep her here. Maybe say you're sick? Or that you saw a ghost in the palace?"
Shivansh rolled his eyes. "That's stupid."
Dhruv chuckled. "Or you could tell her she has to stay back and start planning her wedding right now."
Isha laughed, shaking her head. "Nice try, Dhruv bhaiyu. But I think I should at least go back home before officially becoming a bride."
Before leaving, Isha found herself in a quiet corner of the palace with Shivansh. The others were busy with the final arrangements, giving them a few stolen minutes together.
Shivansh reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Before you leave, I want you to have this."
Isha's eyes widened as she opened the box to reveal a delicate bracelet, crafted with intricate gold and sapphire designs. It was elegant yet simple, something that spoke of thoughtfulness rather than grandeur.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, tracing her fingers over the design.
Shivansh smirked. "It's a Raghuvanshi heirloom. My grandmother used to say that whoever wears this belongs to our family."
Isha looked up at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So, this is your way of claiming me before the wedding?"
Shivansh leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "I claimed you long before this, Isha. You just took your time realizing it."
Her breath hitched as he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The air between them grew thick with unspoken emotions. For a moment, she almost forgot she was supposed to leave.
But then a voice called out, snapping her back to reality.
"Isha, it's time!"
With one last lingering look, she turned away, taking slow steps toward her family and friends, her heart heavy yet full.
And as she glanced back one last time, she saw Shivansh watching her, his expression unreadable, but his eyes—his eyes said it all.
This wasn't goodbye.
This was just the beginning.
The air was thick with the weight of impending farewells as Isha stood amidst the grandeur of the palace. The time had come for her and her family to leave for Delhi, and while goodbyes were always difficult, she hadn't expected this moment to feel so heavy.
She had just turned to gather her things when her soon-to-be father-in-law, Maharaj Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi, stepped forward, holding a small clay plate in his hands. The sight of it made her pause. She knew what it was for—footprints, a tradition that signified a daughter leaving her father's house, marking her place forever in his heart and home.
But something about it didn't sit right with her.
Her heart clenched at the thought of him touching her feet—it felt wrong, disrespectful. He was a man of immense stature, a king, a father, a pillar of strength in his family. And yet, here he stood before her, ready to bow down and take the impression of her feet like she was someone to be revered.
She swallowed, feeling a lump rise in her throat, and instinctively turned towards Shivansh, her eyes pleading with him to intervene.
But Shivansh didn't move. He simply watched her, his gaze unreadable.
"Bachche," Maharaj Abhimanyu's deep voice broke through the silence, drawing her attention back to him. "A man blessed with children is the happiest person alive—he feels complete. But when Lakshmi comes to his house in the form of a mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter, it is like attaining salvation."
His voice was thick with emotion, the weight of his words settling in the room like a sacred hymn.
"I always wanted a daughter," he continued, a wistful smile on his lips. "But it wasn't in my hands. God had other plans for me. He told me He would bless me with four sons, and in return, those sons would bring me four daughters. For me, you are my daughter, Isha. And I always wanted my daughter's footprints in my home."
Isha felt her breath hitch, an unexpected warmth spreading through her chest.
She had never thought of herself as someone's daughter beyond her own parents. The idea of belonging to another family had always seemed distant, something that would come with marriage but never truly settle in her heart.
Yet here was a man who had only known her for a short time, and still, he spoke as if she had always been a part of his world. As if she had always been his daughter.
Her vision blurred with unshed tears.
Slowly, she stepped forward, removing her sandals and letting her bare feet touch the cool marble. Without hesitation, she pressed them into the clay plate, leaving behind a perfect imprint.
Maharaj Abhimanyu's smile deepened, his eyes shining with pride. He carefully lifted the plate, cradling it as though it were something precious—because to him, it was.
He turned to Shivansh, nodding slightly. "Take care of her, not just as a wife, but as my daughter."
Shivansh's expression softened, his gaze flickering between his father and Isha. He didn't say anything, but Isha didn't need words to understand the silent promise he made at that moment.
Her heart felt fuller than it had in a long time.
Maybe she wasn't just leaving one family behind today.
Maybe she was truly stepping into another.
Shivansh stood nearby, silent but watchful, his sharp eyes betraying an unusual softness.
Just then, chote papa stepped forward, patting his pockets dramatically before pulling out a neatly folded handkerchief.
"I want my Lakshmi's footprint too," he declared, holding it out. "I don't have anything else right now, so just—here, take this."
Isha blinked in surprise, her lips twitching as she glanced at shivansh, who merely raised a brow, clearly expecting this kind of antic.
"Next time when you come," chote papa continued with a teasing glint, "I'll take something else. Maybe a shawl—actually, forget that—I'll just lay myself on it."
A chuckle ran through the room. Isha smiled as she took the handkerchief, carefully placing her footprint on it.
Before she could react, a familiar voice piped up from behind her.
"Not fair, chote papa. You can't be the only one getting souvenirs," Dhruv said, stepping forward, his grin mischievous. "We also want proof that our bachha was here."
"Exactly," Aviyansh added, smirking. "What if she forgets us after marriage? At least we'll have something to remember her by."
Isha rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the warmth in her heart. "Oh please, as if you two would ever let me forget you."
Ranveer, who had been watching silently, stepped forward and stretched out his own handkerchief with a rare, serious expression. "Me too. Ummm bhabhi sa"
Something in his voice made isha's breath hitch. She looked at the three of them—these men who had been teasing her moments ago but now stood there with silent reverence, as if this simple imprint meant more to them than she had ever imagined.
Her hands trembled slightly as she took each handkerchief, placing her footprint on them one by one. But by the time she was done, the overwhelming emotion hit her like a wave.
Her vision blurred, tears filling her eyes before she could stop them. She bit her lip, trying to hold them back, but the weight of the moment was too much.
Shivansh noticed immediately.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as her tears spilled onto his shoulder. He didn't say anything, didn't rush her—he just let her cry. His grip was strong, reassuring, as if silently telling her, You don't have to hold back here. You're home.
After a few moments, she sniffled, trying to regain composure, but before she could pull away, Dhruv's voice broke the silence.
"Well, I wasn't expecting tears, but I guess my charm has that effect on people."
Isha let out a watery laugh as Aviyansh sighed dramatically. "And here I thought only bhabhi sa could make her emotional."
Shivansh shot them a sharp glare. "Shut up, you idiots. "
Dhruv grinned. "Relax, bro. We're just making sure she remembers that we come with the package. No taking you without us."
Isha wiped her tears, shaking her head. "I don't think I could escape you guys even if I tried."
Aviyansh smirked. "That's the spirit, Bhabhi sa."
Shivansh sighed but didn't let go of her. Instead, he leaned closer, just enough so only she could hear.
"Don't cry," he murmured, his voice low. "It makes me want to kidnap you and never let you go."
Isha's heart stuttered. She pulled back slightly, meeting his intense gaze. There was something about the way he looked at her—something deep, possessive, completely unshaken by the teasing around them.
A slow, knowing smile formed on her lips. "Would you, though?"
Shivansh smirked. "Try me."
Dhruv groaned. "Oh great, now they're flirting in front of us."
Aviyansh shook his head dramatically. "Can we at least get a warning next time before you two start having a moment?"
Shivansh ignored them entirely, but the ghost of a smile played on his lips as he finally let go of isha, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.
The teasing continued, laughter echoing through the hall, but amidst all of it, isha realized something.
She wasn't just becoming a part of this family.
She already was.
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